Dan Halsey feels a blistering summer spell of form was among the best racing of his career and something he can continue to deliver next season after being confirmed as staying at Mildenhall.

The 28-year-old Fen Tigers stalwart is back for a seventh consecutive campaign at West Row after scorching to three maximums in four meetings during August, which helped to boost his average by 0.40 points to 8.64 and reclaim the No 1 race-jacket.

He said: “At times I was riding as good as I ever have in my career. Over the years I have sometimes lost interest but you can tell in my racing when I’m happy and enjoying it.”

But his form dropped after doubling-up with Peterborough, leaving some fans to doubt if he can recapture his 9.23 average of two years ago when he won the league riders’ title.

“Without a doubt I can get above nine again,” said Halsey.

“I made a mistake signing for Peterborough. You can’t not sign when you get the chance at Premier League, but it came when my confidence was high and I knew it would jeopardise things as I had some bad luck and lost confidence.

“I noticed I hadn’t been put forward by some supporters in their teams for next season and hopefully l can prove the doubters wrong and really step it up.

“I wouldn’t feel happier anywhere else and it’s nice to know I was on the priority list.”

Halsey joins Jon Armstrong and Jordan Jenkins lined up so far, and he feels Jenkins, who averaged 8.00 in three meetings, is a big coup at reserve.

He said: “The team has lacked a fake three-pointer for a few years and Jordan is as good as most teams’ three or four’s.

“I’ll be amazed if he’s not in our top three averages by the end of the season.”

Halsey’s return means that, unless the team points limit is increased from 40, there is not enough room to fit in both Connor Mountain and Connor Coles, who had the biggest increases on their averages.